Children's National Hospital/George Washington University Program
Location:
Washington, DCSpecialty:
Pediatric surgeryACGME Code:
4451021015The Children’s National Hospital/George Washington University Program in Pediatric Surgery offers comprehensive training through the Neonatal-Perinatal Fellowship, which is designed to cultivate adept physician-scientists with a strong clinical foundation and extensive research opportunities. The program spans three years and integrates clinical training, educational activities, and scholarly projects that align with the fellows' interests.
Clinical Training Overview
The training program is structured to provide an immersive clinical experience split between two major institutions: the Children’s National Hospital and the George Washington University Hospital. The clinical rotation schedule is essential, with the following outlined:3
- Clinical Rotations:
- Clinical Research: 16 Weeks
- Orientation: 4 Weeks
- Children’s National Hospital NICU: 16 Weeks
- George Washington University NICU: 4 Weeks
- Consults/Clinic: 8 Weeks
- Vacation: 4 Weeks
During the rotations, fellows engage in active overnight call and enhance their leadership skills by overseeing residents and participating in multidisciplinary teams. The program emphasizes management strategies pertinent to high-acuity cases and diverse neonatal conditions that graduates will face in clinical practice.
Educational Opportunities
The educational curriculum is robust, designed to foster continuous learning and skill enhancement. Weekly educational activities are protected to prioritize fellow-focused didactics, simulations, regional neonatology talks, and collaborative presentations:4
- Monthly Cardiology Conference
- Quarterly Ethics Rounds
- Weekly High-risk Perinatal Conference
- Bi-Monthly Journal Club
Fellows participate in the Fellow Education Series that covers the fundamental principles of neonatal medicine in alignment with American Board of Pediatrics specifications, ensuring comprehensive knowledge acquisition over the three years of training.
Research Component
Research is a fundamental aspect of the Neonatal-Perinatal Fellowship. Trainees are encouraged to engage in clinical, translational, and basic science research projects from their first year. The program implements a mentorship model, pairing fellows with faculty who share their research interests and objectives, thus encouraging scholarly activities and fostering early engagement in innovative research environments:5
Regular meetings with mentors help fellows refine their research skills, guided by a Scholarship Oversight Committee that monitors their progress and provides constructive feedback to ensure their success.
Benefits and Support
Fellows at Children’s National Hospital receive a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, life and disability insurance:2
The program offers competitive salaries that increase with each progressing year of fellowship, alongside a dedicated educational stipend for professional development and resources.
Visa Support
The program provides visa support, and typically sponsors J-1 and H-1B visas for international medical graduates seeking to join the fellowship. This facilitates diverse participation and enhances the fellowship's inclusive environment.
Competitiveness and Application Requirements
The Neonatal-Perinatal Fellowship program is considered competitive, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds including DOs and IMGs. Special application requirements may include a limit on the number of failed USMLE STEP exams, and there may be a preference for candidates who are recent graduates from residency programs.
This fellowship stands out due to its strong emphasis on clinical exposure, exceptional educational resources, and a commitment to research, making it an excellent choice for those aiming to specialize in pediatric surgery.
The program nurtures its fellows' development through a supportive and collaborative environment that is critical in producing future leaders in the field of pediatric medicine.
Website
Director
Mikael Petrosyan, MD, MBAAttending Surgeon Appointed Since September 2019 -Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
80hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
30hrsFirst Year Salary:
-First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
5.8XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Washington, DC
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Washington, DC
- Crime Rate and Safety: Washington, DC has a mix of neighborhoods with varying levels of safety. While some areas are considered safe, others may have higher crime rates. It's essential to research specific neighborhoods before choosing where to live.
- Fun Activities: Washington, DC is rich in culture and history. Residents can enjoy visiting museums, exploring national monuments, attending events on the National Mall, and trying different cuisines in the city's diverse restaurants.
- Climate: Washington, DC experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, while winters can be cold with occasional snowfall. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather, making them popular seasons for outdoor activities.
- Races and Population: Washington, DC is a diverse city with a significant African American population. Residents can find communities representing various racial and ethnic backgrounds.
- Education: Washington, DC is home to several universities and colleges, providing opportunities for further education and research. Residents can access a range of educational resources and cultural institutions.
- Cost of Living: Washington, DC has a relatively high cost of living, especially in terms of housing. Rent and property prices can be expensive, but residents may find varying costs in different neighborhoods.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Nearby bigger cities include Baltimore, Maryland, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Baltimore is approximately 45 miles away from Washington, DC, while Philadelphia is around 140 miles away. These cities offer their own unique attractions, nightlife, and cultural experiences.
- Pros and Cons: Pros of living in Washington, DC include access to national landmarks, cultural events, and diverse communities. However, cons may include the higher cost of living, traffic congestion, and potential safety concerns in certain areas.
Interview Questions
